ADVENT | History
ADVENT and Drug Regulation
"The drug problem will not be solved with solely punitive action and violence, but with ruthless regulation, targeting, and an iron grip on the methods of distribution."
- Jose Collazo, Head of the Bureau of Substance Regulation and Distribution
ADVENT
OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR
MEMORANDUM ON THE IMMEDIATE PARDON OF NON-VIOLENT DRUG OFFENDERS
This memorandum instructs the ADVENT Prisons in all member states to identify individuals who have been incarcerated for non-violent drug offenses, specifically drug usage and drug possession. Upon identification, their sentences are to immediately be commuted, without delay, and they are to be released into the general public.
Additionally, all records of the above listed offenses are to be purged from their criminal history, without delay. In the event that the inmates are incarcerated for other offenses, their sentences will be immediately reduced by the amount they were sentenced to for the listed drug offenses, which will be similarly purged from their criminal records.
Upon release, prisons are instructed to direct formerly incarcerated individuals to ADVENT representatives, who will collect information about their employment, housing, and income prior to incarceration. This information will be utilized to determine appropriate reparations for wrongful imprisonment, based on the time spent imprisoned and physical and financial damages imposed upon the individual and/or their family.
This memorandum has been approved by the Chief of Peacekeeper Operations, Director of ADVENT Intelligence, and Chief Overseer of the Oversight Division, and will remain in effect until solidified into law through the Congress of Nations. Upon signing of this memorandum, legislation solidifying the requirements outlined will be submitted to the Congress of Nations for passage.
Failing to properly and promptly process individuals for release will result in immediate investigation and prosecution. It is recommended that, if prisons require support to enhance processing capacity, they reach out to ADVENT officials, who will provide support as required. Individuals who work to artificially or intentionally deny release based on these criteria will be removed from their position, and the Chief of Peacekeeper Operations has been given permission to conduct arrests, as has the Oversight Division.
In light of legal changes pertaining to the possession and usage of drugs, this memorandum also requires all law enforcement agencies to review current drug policies and bring them in line with ADVENT standards. Upon completion of this review, all agencies are required to submit revised standards for review by the Peacekeepers and Oversight Division. Failure to do this will lead to administrative punishment.
- Saudia Vyandar, Chancellor of ADVENT
Proposal 0182
Latest Revision: 7/12/2016
Designation: The Bureau of Substance Regulation and Distribution
Program Type: Substance Regulation, Substance Research
Authors: Keith Watkins, Chief Overseer of the Oversight Division; Elizabeth Falka, Director of ADVENT Intelligence; Chancellor Saudia Vyandar; Kyong Suk-Chul, Minister of ADVENT Public Relations; Amalda Stein, Chief of Peacekeeper Operations; Jose Collazo, Head of the Bureau of Substance Regulation and Distribution
INITIAL PROPOSAL: Humans have trafficked in and utilized various mind-altering substances for centuries, and there has been a concerted effort by governments and other authorities to regulate, eliminate, or control the supply lines of recreational drugs. Some of these efforts have been more successful than others, with some cultures embracing uncontrolled substance distribution, and the positives and negatives that came with it, while others have attempted to stamp them out through punitive measures, to varying degrees of success.
With such a history to draw upon, we have determined the policy on such substances that ADVENT is to pursue. There has been a significant amount of data collected over the past decades, which has shaped our approach. We have chosen to pursue a model of controlling the more dangerous substances, while reducing impact to the civilian who, many times, is merely a cog in the machine of drug distribution.
Upon the formation of this division, all drug possession will be decriminalized. It should be noted that decriminalization does not mean legalization, and illegal substances do still exist, but citizens will not be detained, arrested, or prosecuted for possession. Sales of illicit substances will remain criminalized, as ADVENT has determined that targeting the direct source is a more effective means of crackdown on illicit substances.
In the event that citizens are found with illicit substances, they will be required to divulge the source of their substances, and failure to do so will be a criminal offense that a citizen can be arrested for. All illicit drugs in their possession will also be confiscated and destroyed. It should be noted that changes in Peacekeeper policy dictate that citizens cannot be stopped, detained, or harassed on suspicion of illicit drug possession, and can only be actively interrogated in the event of discovery during unrelated stops.
However, while the Peacekeepers remain in charge of executing active policy, they will NOT be creating that policy, as that is the purpose of the Bureau of Substance Regulation and Distribution. While we work in close coordination with the Peacekeepers, we are a separate entity, responsible for helping shape the policy that the Peacekeepers will enforce.
OBJECTIVES AND MISSION: There are four main missions that our Bureau intends to accomplish to properly address the subject of legal and illicit substances within ADVENT. They are as follows:
SUBSTANCE CATEGORIZATION AND REVIEW: A core mission the department will carry out is the categorization of all mind-altering substances that are ingested, administered, or otherwise consumed by individuals (this includes alien substances) in various categories (which will be detailed below). These categories assess the purpose, addictive potential, and health impact of each drug, which ultimately determines if it is appropriate for Human consumption or not.
ADVENT does not permit the uncontrolled usage of substances which are actively harmful to the individual. ADVENT will not allow citizens to actively damage their bodies through substance usage, and we will be responsible for helping inform citizens of the actual benefits and drawbacks of various substances, and justifying their legality, or lack thereof.
DISTRIBUTION INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT: For legalized substances, distribution farms, plants, or other sites will be permitted to be constructed in properly-zoned areas. We will be responsible for approving licenses and inspecting the locations to determine they are held to an appropriate standard. We will also be responsible for investigating illegal sites and farms in conjunction with Peacekeepers, which will be shut down. Non-compliant sites will also be shut down until they reach appropriate standards, and sites which refuse will be turned over to the Peacekeepers for prosecution.
SUBSTANCE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION: A major mission of our Bureau will be the research of various substances to determine, confirm, or discover possible health benefits for various substances, which is an important pillar of full legalization, in addition to investigating the potential for altered drugs, which produce similar effects without negative side effects, such as addiction or organ damage.
We will work with medical centers, independent science firms, and universities to conduct this research, and all discovered information will be publicly shared at regular intervals. We will also handle educational materials of all kinds, which will be distributed to citizens physically and through online portals, to ensure maximum outreach.
STATE SUBSTANCE DISTRIBUTION: ADVENT will also maintain a number of facilities to distribute legal substances at affordable prices, and in areas which are not covered by commercial entities. ADVENT will maintain their own farms and means of production, and all products will be produced in-house, as the result of collaboration with subject experts and farmers.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE ASSISTANCE AND NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAM: When citizens overdose or suffer health issues as a result of substance abuse or negative reaction to a substance, it is important that they quickly acquire the help they need to recover. This will be handled by our Bureau, as we will maintain centers which function as substance abuse treatment centers and needle exchange programs. It is important that citizens do not fear legal retribution for seeking help, and, as a result, the decriminalization of drug usage and possession should be heavily emphasized in distributed material, in addition to information on these centers, which are specially-equipped to deal with drug-related health issues.
SUBSTANCE CATEGORIES | CLASSIFICATION: There are four major categories all substances fall under. They are as follows:
MEDICAL: Substances which are determined to have medical benefits, or are employed in medical procedures. Appropriate usage does not cause significant unnecessary or unexpected harm to the individual in question.
RECREATIONAL | NON-ADDICTIVE: These are substances which have no medical purpose, and are utilized recreationally by citizens. They are non-addictive, and appropriate consumption will not cause adverse health effects. Please note that substances which can be classified as both Medical and Recreational will be marked and sold within their explicit categories, and can only be used for the explicitly intended purpose.
RECREATIONAL | ADDICTIVE: These are substances which have no medical purpose, and are utilized recreationally by citizens. These substances are addictive to varying degrees, and may have other negative health effects with moderate to significant usage.
HEALTH HAZARD: These are substances which are actively harmful upon consumption, and can cause irreversible harm or death with even minimal usage. These substances have been determined to have no notable positive benefits, and are permanently blacklisted from legalization.
SUBSTANCE CATEGORIES | LEGAL: These are the legal categories that all substances will fall under, which are as follows:
LEGALIZED | RECREATIONAL: These are substances which are fully legal under ADVENT law, and are permitted to be universally distributed and consumed throughout ADVENT without exception (personal health concerns and age restrictions notwithstanding). The sale or distribution of recreational substances is illegal without the necessary permits, but all qualified citizens are permitted to apply for them, if so desired.
LEGALIZED | MEDICAL: These are substances which are fully legal under ADVENT law, but are not permitted to be universally distributed to the public. They can only be distributed to certified medical providers and pharmacies, who can then distribute them to patients, as required.
UNDER REVIEW: These are substances which are currently being reviewed by the Bureau to determine their eligibility for legalization, or to determine a path for legalization. Under this designation, certain entities may be legally allowed to possess these substances, though these are primarily scientists or associates of research firms, medical centers, or universities. Distribution of substances under review is illegal, and no additional leniency will be employed based upon the designation. Please note that substances which have been legalized may be reclassified as Under Review if concerns or questions are raised about safety. However, if a legalized substance is moved to Under Review, it will remain legal, unless there is strong evidence that leaving it legal poses a significant health risk. However, distribution centers will be required to cease sale, unless otherwise directed.
ILLEGAL: These are substances which are illegal to distribute, manufacture, or cultivate, and are not currently being considered for legalization or review. These substances often pose significant health risks, and it is highly recommended that they not be consumed, as they are not distributed through licensed dealers.
INTERNAL DIVISION: The Bureau of Substance Regulation and Distribution will be divided into five sub-divisions and one management sub-division, which will be described as follows:
SUBSTANCE REVIEW BOARD: This will be the official board which determines the categorization and legal status of each substance under ADVENT, as well as health guidelines and age restrictions for reviewed substances. It will be composed of medical experts, biologists, chemists, and other related experts to properly determine if substances are safe for legalization or require additional assurances. There will be approximately eleven members on the board, who will be rotated bi-annually.
SUBSTANCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT: This will act as the primary scientific arm of the Bureau, which will handle research of various recreational and medical substances and work with peers in medical centers, universities, and independent firms to help provide data for the Substance Review Board to help determine the likelihood and possibility of legalization or restriction, as well as recommended doses for recreational use, based on the physiology and health of the user.
STATE DISTRIBUTION INSPECTION: These will be teams which are responsible for inspecting all legal substance distribution, manufacturing, and cultivation sites. They will be given complete access to all such facilities, and have the legal authority to enter any distribution, manufacturing, or cultivation site, conduct interviews, and test products, as necessary, to complete inspection.
They will also serve as attachés to Peacekeeper operations intended to shut down illegal distribution, manufacturing, or cultivation sites, and will primarily be responsible for collecting evidence, which will be used to determine the extent of the health risk caused by the site, which will be utilized to determine sentencing.
ADVENT SUBSTANCE DISTRIBUTION: This sub-division will be responsible for the ADVENT-managed distribution of legal substances to hospitals, pharmacies, and the general public. They will maintain laboratories, cultivation centers, and other facilities and tools necessary for in-house manufacturing and cultivation.
ADVENT does not intend for this to be a major business, and will only maintain a moderate stock of legal substances, supplemented with stock from commercial entities, should demand exceed supply. ADVENT will also price substances at the current market value to maintain parity with private organizations. ADVENT Substance Distribution sites are subject to the same regulations as commercial entities, and will similarly be inspected by the SDI.
These distribution sites will also include areas where new buyers and users can safely use substances with medical personnel on site in the event of an unexpected reaction. Medical professionals will also be able to provide recommendations on dosage or intensity for unsure individuals. While not mandatory, ADVENT will heavily recommend that first-time users first take their substance of choice in a controlled environment.
SUBSTANCE RECOVERY CENTERS: These sites will be maintained by medical personnel trained in drug-related health issues and overdoses, and will serve as safe sites for citizens who have consumed legal or illegal substances to come in the event of an emergency. They will maintain needle exchange programs, and will also serve as a means of collecting information on illegal distributors, which will be forwarded to the Peacekeepers for arrest and prosecution. These centers will also run longer-term non-addiction and other recovery and rehabilitation plans for patients as demand requires.
INTERNAL BUREAU COMMAND: All of the heads of the previous sub-divisions will be part of Internal Bureau Command, which will manage, coordinate, and collaborate with each sub-division to ensure the entire Bureau is working together and is continually on the same page. IBC will also be the primary means of external contact with other ADVENT entities, including the Oversight Division and Peacekeepers.
RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING: The Bureau of Substance Regulation and Distribution will draw from a wide pool of potential recruits, from medical professionals, to scientists, to data analysis professionals, to experts in related fields. They will be recruited at all levels, from new graduates to senior professionals.
We estimate that the medical community and STEM-focused universities will be the most effective sources of personnel. Training will be provided through classes and by senior personnel in their respective positions, though, for critical positions, there will be a series of requirements the applicant is expected to have.
AUTHORITY AND LIMITATIONS: The Bureau of Substance Regulation and Distribution has complete authority over the legal classification of all substances that exist within ADVENT territory. The Bureau does not have authority over substance policy and enforcement as it relates to law enforcement, though can be consulted as to the best course of action, which is highly recommended.
The Bureau is not a law enforcement arm, with the exception of the State Distribution Inspectors, and they only have the authority to cite non-compliant distribution, manufacturing, or cultivation sites for infractions or non-compliance. They do not have the authority to perform requests, and their own legal powers are limited only to their designated role. For actual legal concerns or potential criminal activity, the Peacekeepers must become involved.
CONCLUSION: The subject of mind-altering substances has generated no shortage of controversy, and, in many cases has been turned into a partisan political issue, when it is, and has always been, a non-partisan health concern. It has been used as a scapegoat and a vehicle for ethnic and cultural suppression, and has been responsible for uncontrolled health crises and a waste of significant amounts of money.
The aim of this Bureau is to depoliticize the subject of mind-altering substances. It is in the public interest that dangerous substances not be distributed at large scales, but we must be smart in how this is applied. Those citizens who utilize illegal substances are not the issue, those who distribute them are, and should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
We should make decisions based on acquired data, and, if data shows that a substance should be legal, we should make it so. Likewise, if there is a legal substance which poses significant health problems, we should not hesitate to remove it for the good of the public. It is essential that we decouple substance usage from morality, as such have become intertwined in the previous decades, and have distorted the perceptions of substance usage. Substances cannot be looked at through the lens of morality, and should only be looked through the lens of logic and science.
The Bureau stands ready to carry this mission out, and secure control over the substance market forever.
CHICAGO – The aftereffects of ADVENT's recent legislation are still reverberating throughout the drug and substance industries – legal and illegal alike. The decriminalization of drug offenses has seen prison populations plummet, especially within the United States, and dealt a serious blow to the drug trade, which has now seen direct targeting by ADVENT Peacekeepers.
There has been a massive influx of recreational marijuana dispensaries, and previous 'grey zone' markets throughout the world have applied to begin legal sale of the substance, which is already seeing substantial interest locally and worldwide. "It's amazing how quickly this happened," a seller, who asked to remain anonymous, commented. "It's been all talk for years - the last thing I expected was for it to be fully legalized everywhere. This is going to improve a lot of lives."
While some have lightly criticized the high tax rates ADVENT is levying on the sale of marijuana, most are willing to accept that as the cost of legalization, and ADVENT has stated that all tax revenue collected will be funneled back into ADVENT's drug apparatus, the Bureau of Substance Regulation and Distribution, for research into other substances, as well as ADVENT's own distribution program.
An unexpected side effect that few analysts picked up on was the damage done to the pharmaceutical industry, which was already reeling from ADVENT's healthcare expansion. As ADVENT now controls regulations around medical substances, this places all products produced by pharmaceuticals under direct ADVENT supervision, and ADVENT has established its own distribution platforms for medical drugs.
"We already lost billions of dollars after ADVENT cut our legs out," a pharmaceutical representative said. "Our last bastion was selling medical drugs to pharmacies, doctors, and hospitals. Then ADVENT stepped in and said "No, we're also going to intrude here too." If this doesn't show ADVENT as hostile to the private sector, I don't know what will. They don't want competition, they want control."
Many 'traditional remedies', often used by small, culturally homogenous groups, especially in southeast Asia, have been outright banned, for being unproven and ineffective. These 'treatments' typically utilized endangered animal products, and, despite some pushback, there have been few objections to their restriction.
When asked for comment, Minister Suk-Chul answered, "While it is unfortunate that certain industries are dismayed at our actions, we should note that we have not made it illegal for pharmaceutical companies to sell their products, and, in fact, we encourage their sales. However, ADVENT is committed to providing healthcare for free at the point of service, and our sales are not for the purposes of profit. If the industry is having difficulties with sales, I can only recommend that prices be lowered to a humane amount."
Multiple pharmaceutical companies declined to comment or respond to Minister Suk-Chul's quote, but analysts are speculating this will lead to the collapse of the industry as a whole, without significant changes, which industry veterans have signaled will put thousands of people out of jobs and harm drug research and development.
ADVENT responded to these claims by forwarding the websites of the ADVENT Department of Health and the Bureau of Substance Regulation and Distribution, as well as the ADVENT Job Finder.
Yet, despite the decimation of certain industries, there has been a surge of development in others. Drug cultivation farms and manufacturing centers have seen significant expansion. There is a developing 'safe usage' trend that has emerged as well, where places designed for people to use these newly-legalized substances in controlled environments have cropped up near ADVENT distribution centers.
Bars, coffee shops, and even dedicated centers are being created or expanded upon to tap into this new market, and have seen approval and support from ADVENT and the wider medical community, who heavily recommend that new users, especially, should take these substances in controlled environments.
These locations have to comply with ADVENT standards, but most companies who have invested believe the return will be worth it. Medical professionals are required to be on staff, most have a small distribution kiosk installed, and some psychotherapists have made deals to have practice wings nearby, in the event that people want to get a professional opinion on the experiences they had while under the effects of a mind-altering substance.
These sweeping changes have not been viewed with complete positivity. There has been an uproar over ADVENT's decision to change the status of tobacco from a 'legalized' substance to 'Under Review', throwing its future into jeopardy. When asked about this change, ADVENT's Bureau of Substance Regulation and Distribution released the following statement.
"During the process of our review of the health effects of existing substances, we determined that tobacco falls under the category of substances which have a high chance of causing severe health problems, and, in the interests of public health, we have placed it under review, to determine if there is a path to full legalization."
Subsequent statements have clarified ADVENT's position. As of the publishing of this article, the purchase of tobacco and nicotine products remains legal, with appropriate health warnings, and ADVENT has stated that this is a process which will not be completed for years, as, if they determine that legalization is impossible, there will be a period for phase-out and anti-addiction medication.
Speaking with ADVENT officials and industry veterans, ADVENT is unlikely to move for a full ban on tobacco and nicotine products, but certain ones are likely to be deemed illegal. Cigarettes are what supposedly prompted this decision, and it seems unlikely that the tobacco industry will be able to convince ADVENT to reverse a decision, unless alternatives are developed. Cigars, vapes, and similar products are also at risk of a full ban, while smokeless tobacco products are supposedly concerning for ADVENT, due to their addictive qualities.
This decision appears to have blindsided the tobacco industry, who immediately decried the "[extreme] government overreach," and promised to fight "any attempt to hinder our customers from exercising their freedom of choice of products." Support for the banning of existing tobacco products is low, a notably unpopular proposal, with only thirty percent supporting, while ten are unsure, and the remainder opposed.
ADVENT released a statement to the joint letter signed by major tobacco companies: "We have already reached out to the companies which raised concerns as to our reclassification of tobacco as 'Under Review'. We have previously highlighted our concerns in regards to the immediate and long-term health ramifications of tobacco use, and are prepared to work with them to solve these issues and fully legalize tobacco once again. However, ADVENT will never put the health of its citizens below the profits of companies which exploit addictive products that cause severe harm to their customers."
"I don't get the argument," Tori Vezvokla, an industry veteran said. "ADVENT seems to be taking issue with the health risks and addictive qualities, and, by that logic, there are so many things that also pose those risks. Is ADVENT going to ban ice cream next because it has sugar in it?"
"Literally no one thinks smoking is healthy for you," Yuri Walker, a senior manager at Philip Morris International said. "That is not and has never been the point. What is at risk here is the government telling you what you can and cannot put in your body. That should be a personal choice, even if it is an unhealthy one. This will open the door to foods, drinks, and other substances we all know and love being banned. Tobacco is an easy scapegoat, and I'm heartened to see that a majority of people see this as the example of government overreach that it is."
However, ADVENT shows no signs that it will succumb to public or industry disapproval. "Public approval is a non-factor," said Jose Collazo, Head of the Bureau of Substance Regulation and Distribution. "Our decisions are made solely in the interest of public health. If it is popular, then great. If it is unpopular, unfortunate, but it doesn't matter. ADVENT is in pursuit of a people who are vibrant and healthy, and intentionally allowing our citizens to be poisoned through harmful substances runs counter to this mission. If an industry can only sustain itself through addiction, it should not exist, and I, personally, will be pleased to put such industries out of business."
Mr. Collazo did add a caveat that it would be years before any permanent ban became enforced, acknowledging that it was a 'gradual process', and "we will not cut off addicted individuals without appropriate and proven anti-addiction treatment to assist in the withdrawal process,' hinting that ADVENT was researching a means of mitigating or preventing withdrawal symptoms for tobacco usage to implement a potential ban.
It is unknown if the industry and ADVENT will be able to reach an agreement, but it is clear that the power rests with ADVENT, and everyone else can only look on, ultimately powerless to change the path they tread.
- Article | "Sweeping Drug Legislation Brings Praise and Protest"
"Always a pleasure to speak to the press about this. Yes, it's been a non-stop media tour, or at least it feels like it sometimes. But it's all for the greater good, and the more people who are informed, the better off we will all be, wouldn't you agree?"
"Alright, we can get started. No doubt you'll have some hard-hitting questions; I've been told to expect as much."
"Ah, right out of the gate. Yes, I can confirm that we're not going to allow a free-for-all on the streets. The problem with the drug war the United States unsuccessfully waged was that they targeted the wrong people. Instead of hitting the suppliers and actual distributors of drugs, they targeted those who bought them."
"It's an unworkable approach, and purely done for political reasons. It's easy to say one is tough on crime if they arrest a few hundred drug users, and do nothing to actually solve the problem. Fear only goes so far, and ignores the causes of drug proliferation. Target and control the supply, and the people will be forced to get clean or find legitimate sources."
"Now that we've taken out the whole 'criminal' aspect of drug usage, we can move to the heart of the issue. Yes, people who do possess illegal drugs are required to provide information on who their supplier was. Illegal drug distribution is still very much a crime, for reasons of public health and safety."
"I find it odd you would frame this as 'coercion'. Is it any less applicable for us to acquire information on potential murder suspects, thieves, and other criminal activity? We are not going to hold illegal drug distribution to another hallowed standard. We are not libertarians, Miss Wong, we are not going to allow dangerous substances to be sold on the streets under the false premise of 'personal choice.'"
"I believe this is the best compromise. People will not be punished if they wish to experiment with illegal substances, and we will shut down avenues that undermine public health. I hardly think that people are going to be willing to go to jail to protect their crystal meth dealer, and, if they are, then it is only a small matter of a brief psionic interrogation, and the problem is solved, regardless."
"No, we don't subscribe to the false notion that 'all drugs should be legal'. Marijuana has been the poster child against the drug war – and one which all experts agree should be legal, as it has medical applications, is less addictive than other substances, and is perfectly safe when used in moderation. There is a reason why it was easily legalized. This does not apply to other drugs, such as cocaine, meth, or heroin. Such drugs are still illegal to produce and distribute. You won't go to prison for buying, ingesting, or possessing them – but you will go to jail if you attempt to distribute and produce them. I believe this is a fair process, and one which appropriately targets the heart of the issue."
"We are, of course, willing to revise our classifications if we perform research that can produce acceptable versions of other drugs. If a safe drug that produced similar effects to cocaine or heroin was developed, we would permit that kind of drug to be sold recreationally. But the drugs as they exist today? We cannot in good conscience allow such to infest our streets and cities."
"Personal choice is an interesting argument, Miss Wong. Very libertarian, and, in which case, I believe the question must be asked – should we indicate that citizens should be allowed to consume cleaning agents or bleaches? Should we make seat belts optional? Should we allow children to wield firearms? I do not believe you would agree, as all of these pose a direct threat to the health and safety of citizens and others around them. I fail to see why forbidding citizens to poison themselves is a greater violation of civil liberties."
"Humans, Miss Wong, do not always make the most rational decisions, and it will be some time before we, as a species are intellectual and dispassionate enough to not have to be told such things, as it will be common sense. Just like how parents set rules and discipline for the good of the child, this is a similar situation. This is best for the overall health and safety of our citizens. If they complain, or express displeasure, that is expected and natural – but it will not sway us."
"This has nothing to do with moralism. A person who does drugs is no better or worse than someone who doesn't – hence why we do not punish those who decide to partake. But, logically, we will not pretend that illegal drug proliferation is a good thing, nor will we fall for the false argument of liberty for unlimited proliferation. We are driven by facts and data – and they say that, with few exceptions, most substances are extremely harmful for the body. The exceptions which are not, Marijuana and most psychedelics, we will happily legalize and approve."
"I'll answer that question if you do so as well. Ok, fair enough. No, I can't say I've taken drugs – explicitly because I grew up in an area where such was common. I am intimately familiar with the harm they can cause, and the actual consequences of the government response. My brother and sister were arrested for drug usage, and I was very happy when the Chancellor acted to free those who had legitimately done nothing wrong but make an ill-advised purchase. I have seen the problem, and I know how best to fix it."
"Next question? Certainly. Well, money is useful, of course. One of the arguments for legalization was that it would open a new revenue stream for the government – and, while we have done so, that was not a driving force for our drug policy. Simply put, we choose this path because it is the most reasonable and logical. Anything we receive as a consequence of this decision is simply a bonus."
"As to what effect this will have on criminal cartels that deal in these substances? Well, to the extent that they still exist, they will be deeply crippled. Their hard drug deals are a fraction of their business compared to much simpler marijuana distribution, which has now been legalized. People will be far more willing to walk into a clean, maintained, and professional distribution center than meeting in the back corner of an alley. And, now that we are going after the distributors directly, it will damage their reach further."
"This is, admittedly, something of an experiment, a policy which has been derived from decades of history of states attempting to solve this problem. We are, however, confident that we will be successful. We know the problem, we know how to control the markets, and more importantly – we know the optimal solution. I cannot promise it will be entirely without some growing pains, but it will be something which is fair and based on sound silence, rather than the ever-shifting morality and politics our species has succumbed to many times before."
- Interview between Jose Collazo, Head of the Bureau of Substance Regulation and Distribution and Journalist Jessica Wong